A Letter from the Pastors
Dear Father’s House family,
We want to share something meaningful with you and invite you into the journey with us. This summer, beginning in July, we will be taking a proactive pastoral sabbatical. Our heart is to communicate early and clearly so that you understand not only what this sabbatical is, but also why we believe it is healthy for us, for our family, and for Father’s House as a whole. There’s plenty of time for clarity and questions, and zero room for rumors involving early retirement.
What a Pastoral Sabbatical Is (and Isn’t)
Sabbaticals are a long-standing practice for those in vocational ministry and other caregiving and leadership professions. They are not extended vacations, and they are definitely not escape plans. A sabbatical creates intentional space for rest, renewal, and reconnecting with God’s leadership. It gives pastors space to breathe, pray, read, listen, and return with fresh clarity and strength.
Scripture doesn’t command modern sabbaticals, but rhythms of sabbath, jubilee, and rest run through the story of God’s people. And historically, sabbaticals have helped sustain long-term ministry and healthier congregations.
Why Now
This sabbatical is proactive, not reactive. There’s no crisis, burnout, or hidden drama. We’re grateful and excited for the season we’re in and for each of you. Exactly because things are stable and healthy, we believe this is the right time to invest in longevity, ours and Father’s House’s.
Pastoring is a joyful calling, but it is also a deeply spiritual, emotional, and relational work that accumulates over years. Our desire is to steward this calling for the long haul, not just sprint through a season. We love this church, and we want to serve with clarity, resilience, and faithfulness for years to come. We have the financial counsel’s support in this and we are all working together to make this season as smooth and empowering as possible for everyone.
Our Commitment to Return
Let’s be unmistakably clear: we are coming back! Sabbaticals are for returning, not exiting. Our call to Father’s House has not changed.
What Happens While We’re Away
Here’s the empowering part: the church keeps being the church.
During the sabbatical, the church will continue to gather, worship, teach, and serve. Our council and leadership team are preparing for this season so that Sunday services, discipleship groups, and operations continue smoothly. Guest teachers and leaders will have opportunities to use their gifts. Ministries will continue. People will keep meeting Jesus, growing in faith, and serving one another. As Paul might say, the body has many functioning parts.
This season can be a healthy strengthening moment for Father’s House, not just for us. Sometimes when leaders step back, others step forward. Sometimes fresh voices surface. Sometimes new gifts get exercised. This is our deepest hope, and we trust God to steward that beautifully.
Continue to keep an eye on this webpage for more details about this season.
What We Ask of You
We ask for three things:
Pray. For rest and renewal for us, and for the ongoing work of the Spirit here at Father’s House.
Engage. Attend, serve, care, give, invite, and participate. Our sabbatical is not your sabbatical from being the church.
Stay peaceful. No anxiety, no rumors, no catastrophizing. Nothing is wrong. Nobody is quitting. And nobody is moving to Idaho. (Spoiler: we love it here!)
Hope for What’s Ahead
We believe God uses sabbaticals to strengthen both leaders and congregations. We trust this will be a fruitful season for Father’s House, one that grows depth, ownership, and spiritual vitality.
Thank you for loving us, trusting us, and walking with us. It is one of the great joys of our lives to be your pastors. We look forward to returning in the fall refreshed, refueled, and ready for the next chapter God has for our church family.
With love and gratitude,
Will & Lori Barrow